Effects of chlordiazepoxide on predator odor-induced reductions of playfulness in juvenile rats.

The extent to which a non-sedative dose of chlordiazepoxide (CDP) is able to modify the behavioral responses toward a predator odor was assessed in juvenile rats. Play behavior was suppressed and defensive behaviors were enhanced in the presence of a collar previously worn by a cat, when tested 24 h later in the same context as that where the exposure occurred, and when tested in a context different than that in which the exposure occurred for up to 3 h after exposure. CDP had no effect on the ability of cat odor to suppress play when rats were tested in the presence of the odor or when tested 24 h later in the same context where that exposure occurred.